Cumberland College takes No. 1 ranking in women’s college wrestling for the first time

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Gary Abbott (USA Wrestling)
12/16/2002


Cumberland College in Kentucky has received the No. 1 team ranking for the first time in TheMat.com U.S. College Women's Wrestling Rankings by receiving the top spot in the December 2002 rankings.    Cumberland College, coached by Kip Flanik, boasts three wrestlers with No. 1 individual rankings this month: Sarah Hayes at 112 pounds, Alaina Berube at 138.5 pounds and Toccara Montgomery at 158.5 pounds. Cumberland recently won the team title at the UM-Morris Women's Open, and has had solid showings at the Brock Invitational in Canada and the Sunkist Kids International Open.    Cumberland replaces Missouri Valley College in the top spot, which dropped to No. 2 in the United States for the first time. Mike Machholz' veteran Viking team has yet to begin its competitive season, with its first competitions scheduled for January. Based upon past performance, three Missouri Valley wrestlers have retained top rankings in their weight divisions: Kiersten Hyatt at 130 pounds, Mollie Keith at 147.5 pounds and Hillary Leith at 169.5 pounds.    Rounding out the top six teams in women's college wrestling  are the women's varsity programs at No. 3 UM-Morris, No. 4 Neosho County CC, No. 5 Menlo College and No. 6 Pacific University.    Other individuals with No. 1 rankings in their weight classes are Mary Kelly of Neosho County CC at 105.5 pounds and Marcie Van Dusen of UM-Morris at 121 pounds.    TheMat.com U.S. College Women's team rankings - Dec. 2002    TheMat.com U.S. College Women's individual rankings - Dec. 2002